Fresno firefighters urge safety as fireworks go on sale

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- We're less than a week away from all of the 4th of July festivities and with that comes the start of fireworks sales.

Fireworks stands throughout Fresno County are open for business with close to 80 booths lining the streets selling some of your favorite sparklers and firecrackers.

But don't think you'll find any bottle rockets at these stands.

"Any firework that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal," deputy fire chief Ted Semonious said.

Lighting those could cost you fines of up to $1,000, and, even more, could a fire start.

"Once it leaves the ground you have no control over it," Semonious said. "All of the safe and sane have a base, they sit on the ground they're stable. They don't go anywhere."

Firefighters suggest giving at least a 50-foot clearance from any combust able material.

Last 4th of July, the Fresno Firefighters were called to 66 different blazes. That's compared to their typical 20 to 24 calls to service.

"It does tax the system a little bit and it does cause a significant increase in property damage just in one day," Semonious said.

But firefighters aren't trying to discourage you from celebrating the holiday.

Firework sales are one of the biggest fundraiser's of the year for local non-profits raising thousands of dollars.

"It means we can provide more services encourage more children," Joseph Perry with Boys 2 Men, Girls 2 Women said. "We can get more computers."

The organization is a non-profit aimed at empowering our youth through mentoring.

After spending 11 years on the wait-list, they've set up shop at First and Herndon Avenues.

"It's God's timing," Perry said.

Fire officials warn even legal fireworks can be dangerous if not handled properly. More than half of firework related injuries involve kids ages 5 to 12.

"Safe and sane fireworks are for adults to use and for everyone to enjoy the visual that we see," Semonious said.

Firefighters say the most common mistake is throwing what's left in the trash.

They say once you're done, dispose the fireworks in a bucket of water.